About Mr. Gabe

Photo by Andrew D. Culhane

Mr. Gabe once joked that his mission was to “set the kids up for a nice long nap.” But there may be a little more to this performer’s enterprise than that. “Some children’s performers emphasize life lessons; others introduce kids to a variety of instruments and musical styles. For me it’s all about the songs and singing. I think it’s important that everyone grows up with a repertoire of songs that they can sing and share with future generations.” In addition to his own compositions, Mr. Gabe performs a lot of classic children’s songs, like “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain,” and “Yellow Submarine.” He says that “kids tend to know those songs, which makes it easy for everyone to join in. Those songs also provide models for my own songwriting. I try to write and record songs that children and grown-ups can sing, and dance to, together.”

A former stay-at-home dad, Mr. Gabe began singing for kids after the younger of his own two children started kindergarten. At first Mr. Gabe performed mostly in and around the city of Takoma Park, Maryland, where he lives. Over time, he has branched out to libraries, cafés, pre-schools, and performing arts centers throughout suburban Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia.

In 2012, Mr. Gabe released his first CD, Play Date. Recorded with the help of several talented local musicians, Play Date is a tuneful mix of traditional children’s songs, family-friendly pop songs, and originals, the latter drawing on Mr. Gabe’s experiences as a stay-at-home dad. Play Date was quickly embraced by Mr. Gabe’s fans, both young and old, as a go-to option for in-car entertainment. The album won a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award and was nominated for a Washington Area Music Award. It has also found a home in numerous libraries around the country.

Today, Mr. Gabe continues to perform frequently, both on his own and with his band, the Circle Time All-Stars. “Having other musicians on stage with me allows me to do justice to the songs from my CD as well as other, more dance-oriented numbers that I might not attempt on my own. Also, it’s a lot of fun!” The All-Stars feature Holly Montgomery on bass and Chelle Fulk on violin. Both are accomplished musicians who enjoy performing for Mr. Gabe’s enthusiastic young fans.

"Our family loves Mr Gabe. He has a nice repertoire of familiar tunes and fun originals. The kids always have a great time singing, dancing, stomping, and jumping along." —Denise (mother of Phoebe and Kai)more testimonials